[Boo]

Until I can get a DSLR I was wondering if any of you could recommend a good compact digi cam. Ideally I would like something small around the £200 mark, but I don't mind sacrificing size for features.

I'm looking for one that is excellent for macro work, would be nice if I could have a bit of aperture control, an AF assist lamp etc..... and able to cope indoors with out wanting to use the flash every 5 minutes. Ah also I wouldn't mind spot metering lol (I'm maybe asking too much for too little eh)

Any pointers would be great 'cause its mind boggling the choice thats out there.

Thanks

[Dave]

Not sure of all the features, but have been very impressed by shots taken with the Fuji S7000. Some examples here

[GfK]

Originally Posted by DJW

Not sure of all the features, but have been very impressed by shots taken with the Fuji S7000. Some examples here

...or you could look at the slightly cheaper S5500 which can be set to manual, automatic, or anything between. Plenty of features and more than enough flexibility to get you started.

Heard good things about the Kodak Z700 although I haven't actually used one. This may be a little too basic for your needs but have a look at the spec and see what you think.

[ChrisB]

I have an S5500 at the moment... does everything I want it to, my problem is just finding time to use the damn thing!!

[stepheno]

Hi Boo - the two very worthwhile cameras, recommended by DJW and GfK are I suppose what you would call SLR look-alike. If we are to take you at your word and you mean compact then at £209 I would have to recommend the Canon Powershot A610.....and it's got spot metering.

• Sensor: CCD - 5.3 Million pixels
• Image Size: 2592x1944 pixels
• Lens: 35-140mm - f2.8-4.1
• Focus: TTL Auto, Manual - 1cm Macro
• Exposure: Programme AE/AP/SP/M
• Metering: Evaluative/Spot/CW
• Monitor: 2.0” P-Si TFT
• Movie Mode: Yes
• Storage: SD Cards
• Batteries: 4x AA
• AC Adaptor: Optional
• Video Output: Yes
• Size/Weight: 105x66x49mm-235g
• Transfer: USB 2.0

Full spec and review can be found here. Hope that helps.

regards

[CT]

Jan has a Panasonic Lumix DMC FX9 - Full review HERE.

She has the version with the black non slip covering , which I'd recommend for looks and practicality. Jessops were selling these recently for sub 250 quid which is a 100 quid less than they were 6 months ago.

It's the size of a packet of fags, so there's no excuse for not taking it everywhere, it easily slips into a breast pocket. It doesn't have a fully manual mode but there are more than enough settings to satisfy a serious shutterbug when you don't want to cart the SLR around. It's beautifully made and has image stabilisation, a Leica lens, and large LCD screen.

[stepheno]

Originally Posted by CT

.....and has image stabilisation, a Leica lens....

I wonder if my wife would like one of those? Thanks for the pointer CT.

regards

[CT]

Originally Posted by stepheno

I wonder if my wife would like one of those? Thanks for the pointer CT.

regards

Jan looked at a load of cameras, but fell in love wth this one as soon it was put on the counter, and I'd guess your wife wont be any different.

[Dave]

Ah, if we are loking at really small cameras then try the Fuji F10 ....around £180 on currys. Has everything you are after plus goes to ISO1600 so you can use indoors with no flash if req'd, plus has huge LCD panel on back.....put it this way, I bought one as backup to my Nikon DSLR See thread I started here that may help

[Joe T]

Fuji F10?

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Joe T

Fuji F10?

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/F10/F10A.HTM

& £174 incl 5% discount if you use discount code nhs192 at Currys. Noticed also the Canon A95 at similar money from Ebuyer,

[Boo]

Thanks guys, thats given me a couple of options to mull over.

Its so difficult when money is an issue isn't it. I desparately want to get into digital photography so want to get a camera asap. The trouble is not knowing what to start off with. Do I get a small digi cam (had my eye on Ixus 50) so I can put it into my handbag everywhere I go, then save up like mad to get a pro DSLR, or do I go for a compact that is more SLR like with more features but one thats more bulky and take my time learning, getting and SLR only when I'm more proficient? Am I fooling myself that an SLR like compact is going to be enough? Is it false economy? Are they worth the bulk and price as oposed to a tiny and tidy one?

Oooh lol I think I'm going round the bend here and I've probably confused you all...... thats what typing as you think does!!

Does anyone rate the Ixus 50, or have any pikkies taken by one, or any of the others that you've all suggested.

thanks... and sorry to be a pain.

[SammyC]

I think if you're used to a film based SLR then you won't be happy with a compact or SLR-like for very long.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by SammyC

I think if you're used to a film based SLR then you won't be happy with a compact or SLR-like for very long.

Yeah thats true, but I've not got much if any working knowledge with the film SLR, I just got to the stage where I was working either with Ap. or shutter prority, just started getting familiar mid tones, stopping down for extra saturation etc but never fully manual or anything like that..... I've forgotten all the terminology and gone back to basics with the bits I had picked up. I've not touched a camera for donkeys and had given up on the film SLR but now I've got my enthusiasm back and am raring to go.

[SammyC]

Someone here just bought the Fuji F11 and like it a lot. Thing is though we often have conversations along the lines of 'Couldn't get X correct' -- 'Oh, you'll need to use Y for that' -- 'Oh, it can't do that'

I would go for an SLR-like if you can't stretch to a full SLR body.

[Boo]

Thanks for the input. In mind of this the camera I'm currently looking at that is SLR like is the fuji 7000 or the 9500.

The 9500 has a 10x optical zoom, is there much degredation with zooms that have such a broad range? (the 7000 has 6x optical)

I can't seem to find the 7000 in Jessops or PC world. Is there anywhere else reputable I can find one, I've not got a clue how much it is.

what is attracting me also to these cameras is the super macro of 1cm. Again I don't know what is the maximum that is any good for digital macro....??